Gumming apparatus.



J. H. TUTTLE.

GUMMING APPARATUS. APPLICATION FILED 001212, 1907.

1, 1 1 8, 1 63. Patented Nov. 24, 1914 2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

' lation of the tape by the fingers, even when UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOSEPH H. TUTTLE, 0F SOMERVILLE, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR TO CLARENCE B.

FROST, OF CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS.

GUMMING- APPARATUS.

Application filed October 12, 1907.

a specification.

This invention relates to gumming apparatus.

More particularly it relates to apparatus for applying adhesively a strip of paper, cloth, or other fabric or substance, to a surface, such as, for example, the surface of a paper wrapped package, and for severing the part thus applied from the supply remaining in the apparatus.

The objects of the invention are to provide apparatus of more convenient form for use and handling in the above operation; of efficient operation in all conditions of humidity of the atmosphere; and apparatus which eliminates the necessity of lifting and manipulating the package in order to attach and sever the tape, a result which no previous device of this sort known to me has accomplished.

It is among the other objects of the invention to provide ap aratus in which the .tape is rendered adhesive by a purely automatic action without requiring any maniputhe tape is dry. This is another ideal which has never been attained before so far as I am aware.

Other advantages of the apparatus hereinafter described are also included within the purposes of the invention, for which reference is made to the following description and the accompanying drawings, in which,

Figure 1 represents a side elevation of apparatus embodying one form of the invention; Fig. 2 represents the same when in use, moistening and laying a strip of tape, partly in section; Fig. 3 represents the same when.

in use severing the strip thus laid; Fig. 4 is a plan view of the apparatus when held at the angle represented in Fig. 2; Fig. 5 is a side elevation in section of a detail enlarged;

Fig. 6 is an end view in section on the line 6-6 of Fig. 1; Fig. 7 is a side elevation of .a modified form of a detail; Fig. 8 is a side elevation showing a standard for holding Specification. of Letters Patent.

Patented Nov. 24, 1914.

Serial No. 397,101.

the apparatus; Fig. 9 is a somewhat diagrammatical sketch showing a modified arrangement of the apparatus.

In. the drawing 1 represents a reservoir, adapted to contain a liquid such as water or mucilage and shaped so that it can conveniently be held in the hand of the operator somewhat like a pencil. The barrel of, the pencil preferably has a flat side and a rounded side; a screw cap 2-for filling it; and a discharge at its lower end through a slit 3, the width of which slit is seen in Fig. 2; and the length of which may be the same as the width of tape. A pad 4 of felt or other suitable .material is arranged externally along this slit and is held by a bar 5 from which a rod 6 runs through, the felt and through the interior of the barrel to the other end where it passes out through an adusting screw 7. By adjusting the screw 7 the bar 5 may be drawn more or less tightly against the pad 4-, thus compressing the felt more or less into the slit. This forms a control for graduating the escape of liquid through the slit. The flow can be reduced by drawing the rod 6 tighter, yet the passage of fluid to the exterior is never completely stopped by this means, owing to capillary action of the felt which is inimmediate contact with the fluid contents of the barrel. The pad 4 may have a part extending beyond the fiat side of the barrel as represented in Fig. 1; or an extension or hopd of metal may cover that part of the pad and protect it from contact with the adacent tape 8. In Fig. 7 such a metal hood is represented on the bar 5, at 5.

Toward the other end of the barrel is.a fixture 10 comprising two side clips under which may be slippeda tongue or bent end 11 of a flat plate12, thus mounting the plate 12 on the barrell. On this plate 12 is a tape supply holder 13. The cylindrical wall of this holder may be formed of sheet metal with ends 13, 13 overlapping. The tape is led out from the casing between these overlapping portions which, pressing to gether, applya slight tension. The tape then passes through the space 22 between the side clips 10, tongue 11 and barrel 1; and

' 1V hen it is drawn forth it rolls the balls into the larger part of the throat where they do not obstruct its movement; but any movement of tape in the reverse direction rolls the balls into the more contracted portion of the throat where they and the tape are compressed between the bridge and the plate, so that further recession is restrained. Thus any backward movement of the tape is automatically checked. A roller might be substituted for the balls with similar effect. The plate 12 contains an arched portion 14 adjacent to the pad 4. When the plate is positioned near the barrel the ends of this arch l1 depress the tape on each side of the pad 4: and that portion of the tape which at the moment lies under the arch is forced into contact with the pad. As the tape is drawn forth all parts of it are thus moistened successively. Beyond the arch 1 1 the plate 12 is bent at an angle suitable to form a presser foot 15 when the pencil is held in the users hand, in whichcase the barrel is held at an angle as indicated in Fig. 2. A forward extending link 16 is pivoted on the presser foot, and at the forward end of the link, raised slightly above the plane of the presser foot, is a spring foot 17 from which a rela tively weak curved spring 18 runs backward and at its other end passes through the opening in the plate 12 as seen in Fig. 4: andhas a foot 19 which bears upon the tape and is adapted to press it against the flat side of barrel 1, as seen in Figs. '2 and 4.

Normally the spring 18 is inactive and its foot 19 imposes no appreciable pressure on the tape. The plate 12 is preferably formed of spring metal and its tongue 11 is bent toward the main portion of the plate so that it holdsthe entire plate at the top of the clips 10 as shown in Fig. 6, leaving a space 22 under it through which tape may freely pass.

In the type of apparatus here illustrated the tape may be gummed paper, with the gum dried thereon and the tape rolled into a coil with the gum outside. Winding the gum on the outside gives a flat surfaced coil which yields a tape that is inherently flat, being in this respect an improvement over tape issuing from coils wound with gum inward, in which the cross section of the tape is generally curved downward at each edge toward the gummed side, and therefore requires special attention in the process of moistening and applying it. As the tape issues from the roll it passes between the spring lips 13, 13"; through passage 22-; through the guard 20, 21; between the arch 141 and pad 1, the gummed side'of the tape plied tape with considerable pressure.

facing the pad barrel; and thence out from the apparatus. During all-this course the tape is subject to no tension whatever; except'that of the lips at the exit from the supply holder, which may be as great or as small as desired, and which under some circumstances maybe omitted altogether.

When the apparatus is to be used the operator takes it in hand holding the barrel 1 somewhat like a pencil at about the angle represented in'Fig. 2, pressing plate 12 toward the barrel with his finger, and he then draws the under surface of the apparatus including the pad 4 over the surface to which the tape is to be applied in the direction represented by the arrow in Fig. 2. The pad, being moist from water within the barrel, wets the surface of the package; and the end of the tape which follows immediately after encounters the wet place and adheres slightly thereto. The pressure of the foot 15 applies the tape more firmly to the package; and this operation may continue until as long a strip as desired has been deposited. This description refers more particularly to the form of apparatus represented in Fig. 7. If the form represented-in Figs. 1, 2, and 3 be used the initial operationis as above described but this form is further provided with means to moisten the tape directly, before itreaches the package, except the end of tape left projecting by the last previous user, which end may be assumed to have become dry. This projecting end is first wetted and rendered adhesive by encountering a wetted portion of the package. Further movement of the pencil draws forth tape which is moistened as it passes between arch 1 1 and pad 4.-

For this part of the process it is well to raise the angleof the pencil, a little above that shown in Fig. 2, so thatfoot 15 bears fiatagainst the package. The first method is suitable for many uses; but for some purposes the tape is more effectively 'moistened by the second method, being forced directly against the pad for a considerable distance. As the motion proceeds the presser foot 15 smooths and presses the tape into intimate adhesion. When a suffi cient length has been applied the operator tips the apparatus to a more nearly vertical position as represented in Fig. 3, bring ing the spring foot 17 down uponthe ap- This pushes the other end against the remote edge of the opening through which it passes in plate 12 and, by leverage, throws the foot 19 of the spring 18 hard against the tape and the tape is thus held firmly at the positions 17 and 19 (Fig. 3) while the tape is being, severed between these two points. The severing is accomplished by twistlng the apparatus on an approximately vertical axis, at the same time drawing it farther in'its'former direction. This forces the serratededge 24 through the tape, cutting it off square, leaving part adhering'to the package and part remaining in the apparatus. The holder 13 for the roll of tape may be pivoted to the plate 12 at a hinge 26 and a spring latch 27 may be provided so that the tape holder may occupy either the position shown in full lines or that shown in dotted lines in Fig. 1 and may be easily moved from either one to the'other where it will be held by the latch.

If the apparatus is to be in constant use the holder 13 may occupy either position and, for convenience, the plate 12 and arch 14 may be held in proximity to the barrel by a latch 25. If the use of the -apparatus is intermittent the operator may allow plate 12 to spring away from the barrel thus relieving the tape from the forcing-arch 14 and leaving the .tape lying gently across the top of the pad l. In previous apparatus effort has been made by various inventors to provide means. for keeping the tape from physical contact with the moistening pad when not in use. .In the present invention the normal contact of the tape with the pad is so slight that no such device is needed, and the operator may lay the apparatus down in the position shown in Fig. 1, with holder 13. raised into dotted position. However, if considerable time is to elapse before further use the operator may lay it down the other side up, i. e., with the plate 12 underneath, in which case the tape will by gravity fall upon the plate, the pad standing above it out of contact, and the fluid contents of the barrel will maintain the pad wet. If the holder be shifted to the full line position (Fig. 1) the tape and pad will still be out of contact, but the contents of the barrel will by gravity flow away from the pad leaving the pad dry and wasting no water or mucilage. This operation will be understood by imagining F ig. 1 inverted upon a straight edge placed horizontally.

In practice, the moistening and application of a portion of tape is accomplished by a single'sweep of the operators hand, followed by a dexterous twist for severing. By using a straight cutting or V-shaped type of knife even this extra twist may be avoided. The projecting end of the tape remains in position for future use; and if it becomes dry fresh moistening is accomplished automatically by rubbing the pad followed by the tape on the package surface. The user can perform, by simple and free manipulation of this pencil, operations for which, lifting and manipulation of the package are required when other apparatus is used. As the package is sometimes of.

If preferred the holder 13 may be located" at a greater distance than represented in the drawing. For example, it may be suspended near the ceiling with the strip of tape depending from it and the apparatus hanging at its end at a convenient height in front of the workma The check 20 prevents it from slipping ofl" from tape. For cases where it is more convenient to have the apparatus stationary and to manipulate the package the stand or holder may be provided as represented in Fig. 8,.where 31 represents a holder for tape mounted on a base 32 provided with a support 33 for the plate 12, and a hooked slot 34 in which a lug 35 on the plate 12 may engage. The operation and use of this form of the apparatus is similar to the other, the package being pressed downward upon the pad 4 depressing it into the arch beneath, and moved over it toward the projecting end of tape 8. For refilling, the reservoir is removed from plate 12 by slipping the tongue 11 out from clips 10, thus avoiding the danger of spilling water upon the gummed tape.

The invention is not limited to the specific application herein described but may be applied to a wide variety of materials and is useful in various arts; and the apparatus here specifically described may be varied in many respects without departing from the principle and scope of the invention.

I claim:

1. In combination, a device for rendering a strip of material adhesive, and means for gripping the strip, adapted to suspend the device thereon, said means being operated automatically by movement of the device and the strip with respect to each other,- gripping the strip when the device moves forward thereon, and releasing the strip when the strip moves forward with respect to said device.

2. In combination, a device for rendering material adhesive; a tape-guide; and a tapecheck, comprising a contracting throat through which the tape passes and a loose rolling member therein.

3. In combination, a pencil-form reservoir having a discharge opening; means to hold tape adjacent thereto; and a tape-check, restraining recession of the tape.

4. In combination, a holder for a supply of tape in .unadhesive condition, having means whereby such tape may depend therefrom; a device for rendering tape adhesive; and means on said device to engage such depending tape and support said device thereon, whereby the depending end portion of the non-adhesive supply may become adhesive.

5. In combination, a device for rendering material adhesive; an adjacent arch, vaulting said device; a guide for tape to inter- 'material adhesive; an adjacent arch, vaulting said device; a guide for tape to intervene; said arch and device being movable toward each other, forcing the tape agamst said device; and a latch fastening them together.

7. In combination, a device for rendering material adhesive; means to hold tape ad j acent, and to force it against said device; and a presser foot adjacent fixedly connected with said means, adapted topress against the back side of the tape beyond said device. I

8. In combination, a device for rendering material adhesive; an adjacent arch, vaulting said device; a guide for tape to intervene; said arch and device belng movable toward each other, forcing the tape against said device; and a severing blade beyond the arch.

9. In combination, a device for rendering material adhesive; an adjacent member, movable with respect thereto and having an arch vaulting said device, a presser foot, and a blade beyond it; there being a space for tape between said member and sa1d device.

10. In combination, a pencll-form device for rendering material adhesive; means for holding tape'adjacent thereto; and a blade adapted to sever the tape; there being a projection near the blade on which the apparatus may rest during severing.

11. In combination, a pencll-form devlce for rendering material adhesive; means for holding tape adjacent thereto; and a blade adapted to sever the tape; there being a projection near the blade on which the apparatus may rest during severing, sa1d rest having an arm engaging the tape on the supply side of the blade.

12. In combination, a pencil-form device for rendering material adhesive; means for holding tape adjacent thereto; and a blade adapted to sever the tape; there being a projection near the blade on which the apparatus may rest during severing, sa1d rest being spring mounted and havlng an arm engaging the tape on the supply side of the blade.

13. In combination, a device for rendering material adhesive; an adjacent arch, vaulting the device and movable toward it; there being means to hold tape intervening, and there being a severing blade beyond the arch and a foot projecting adjacent, form-- ing a rest for the apparatus.

1%. The combination of a pencilform reservoir having a discharge at one end and means to guide the tape longitudinally along the pencil-form and hold it adjacent to the discharge; the parts being arranged to permit direct delivery of the tape from said discharge position to the surface to which it is to be applied. I

15. The combination of a pencil-form reservoir having a discharge at one end, a tape-holder adjacent to the discharge, and a blade thereon adapted to sever the tape by manipulation of the entire apparatus with respect to the surface on which the tape is applied.

16. In combination, a pencil-form reservoir having a discharge "passage at one end; a plate mounted on the outside of the reservoir, there being space for insertion of tape between them longitudinally of the pencilform; said plate having a portion movable toward the discharge, forcing the tape to- Ward it.

17. In combination, a pencil-form reservoir having a discharge at one end; a plate mounted thereon at a distance from the discharge and covering one side of the reservoir, there being space for introduction of tape between the two; the tape running longitudinally of the pencil form between the plate and reservoir; and means restraining recession of the tape; said plate having a position movable toward the discharge, forcing the tape toward it.

18. In combination, a pencil-form reservoir having a discharge slit at one end; a bar opposite the slit; fibrous material intervening; and means to adjust the position of the bar toward the slit, compressing the fibrous material therein.

19. In combination, a pencil-form reservoir having a discharge slit at one end; a bar opposite the slit; fibrous material intervening; a tie running therefrom through the reservoir and tightening means therefor.

20. In combination, a pencil-form reservoir having a discharge slit at one end; fibrous material outside and covering the slit; means to compress the same adjustably into the slit; and means to hold tape adjacent thereto.

21. In combination, a pencil-form reservoir having a discharge slit near one end, a pad depending therefrom, means extending from said reservoir past its said end, adapted to engage and guide the tape; and means for supplying tape to the side of said guide which is toward the said pad.

22. In combination, a pencil-form reservoir having a discharge slit at one end; a pad depending therefrom; a plate extending from the reservoir on the upper side and having a means beyond said end adapted to strip-holder,means for backing and moisten- 4 in ga strip issuing from the holder, means for applying the moistened strip, and means for severing the strip at a point beyond the moistening means and beyond the point of 25. A strip-applying device comprising a strip-holder,means for backing and moistening a strip issuing from the holder, a presserf ootadapted to apply the moistened strip, a cutter adapted to sever the strip at a point beyond the presser foot and the moistener, and means for clamping the strip between the holder and the moistener.

26. A strip-applying device-comprising a strip-holder, a strip-backing member, means for applying and severing the strip, and a reservoir having an outlet provided with an absorbent plug arranged to bear on the portion of the strip that is backed by said member, the outer end of the reservoir being {formed to expose a portion of the under side of the plug and extend the moistening surface of the same.

27. A strip-applying device comprising a strip-holder, means for moisteninga strip issuing therefrom, a. presser-foot adapted to apply the moistened portion "of the strip, and a strip-clamping device comprising a fixed member bearing on one side of the strip, and a member movable toward and from the fixed member adapted to bear on the opposite side of the strip.

28. In combination, a device for rendering material adhesive, and a spring guide for a moving tape, mounted adjacent thereto and extending past said device in the direction of movement of the guided tape and adapted when the spring is pressed to force tape intervening between itself and said device against said device, said guide being normally held out of said forcing position by its own spring tension.

29. In combination, a device for rendering material adhesive, a spring plate assembled therewith and forming a' guide for leading tape past the said device, said plate having an arch adjacent to and vaulting said device and adapted to bear on the tape on both sides of said device, the device being exposed on the side remote from the tape,.

whereby it may moisten both the tape and the surface to which it is to be 'applieyi at the same time.

30. In combination, a device for rendering material adhesive,va spring plate assembled therewith and forming a guide for leading tape past the said device, saidplate having an arch adjacent to and vaulting said device and adapted to bear on the tape on both sides of said device.

31. In combination, a device for rendering material adhesive, a plate having an arch adjacent to and vaulting said device, these parts being arranged and adapted for tape to intervene, said arch being normally held apart from said device by spring tension of the plate, but being movable toward the same, forcing the tape against said device; and a latch to fasten them together.

32. Incombination,.a device for rendering material adhesive, a plate having an arch adjacent to and vaulting said device, there being means for tape to intervene, said arch being normally held apart from said device by spring tension of the plate, but being movable'toward the same, forcing the tape against said device; and a severing blade on said plate beyond the arch.-

33; In combination, a device for rendering material adhesive, a plate having an arch adjacent to and vaulting said device, there being means for tape to intervene, said arch being normally held apart from said device by spring tension of the plate, but being movable toward the same forcing the tape against said device, and a presser-foot fixedly connected with said plate and adapted to press against the back side of the tape beyond the device. 7

34. In combination, a device for rendering material adhesive, an adjacent member normally held apart from said device by its own spring tension, but movable with respect thereto and having an arch vaulting said device, a presser foot and a blade beyond it on said member.

35. In combination, a device for rendering material adhesive, a plate guiding the tape toward it, a blade on said plate beyond said device, there being an intervening arch 'in the plate vaulting said device.

36. In combination, a pencil form reser- V011 having at its end a device for rendering material adhesive; and means for guiding tape longitudinally along the pencil form to v material adhesive, means for guiding tape to said end, and a blade adjacent to said end adapted to sever the tape by manipulation of the entire apparatus with respect to the surface on which the tape is applied, the device, guide and blade being mounted on the reservoir.

39. A pencil form reservoir having at one end a device for rendering material adhesive, a receptacle for tape supply mounted thereon and a guide for tape therefrom to the said device; the said' device being exposed for inoistening the surface to which the tape is to be applied.

40. A pencil form reservoir having at one end-a device for rendering material ad hesive, a receptacle for tape supply mounted thereon and adapted to deliver tape to said device; and means for pressing the tape which has passed said device progressively upon a surface along which the apparatus is moved.

41. A pencil form reservoir having at one end a moistener, a still strip substantially parallel to the reservoir and leading to the moistener from the other end, there being space for tape between said strip and the reservoir, the reservoir and trip combined forming a grip for the operator to hold the device.

In testimony whereof I hereto afiix my signature, in presence of two witnesses.

JOSEPH H. TUTTLE.

Witnesses:

WALLACE Born, ANDREW DoooY. 

